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Two-step electro-thermochemical cycle for CO2 splitting in a solid oxide electrochemical cell

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  • Pan, Heng
  • Zhao, Yuhao
  • He, Feiyu
  • Zhu, Liya
  • Wang, Zhaolu
  • Li, Yihang
  • Lu, Youjun

Abstract

Solar CO2 splitting via a two-step thermochemical cycle (TSTC) has emerged as a promising technology for solar fuel production. However, the extreme reduction temperature (Tred) required to achieve optimal CO yields poses challenges in reactor design, operation, and solar-to-fuel energy efficiency. In this study, a two-step electro-thermochemical cycle (TSEC) for CO2 splitting into CO using a solid oxide electrochemical cell (SOEC) is presented with the objective of reducing Tred and improving solar-to-fuel energy efficiency. The investigations reveal that TSEC exhibits the capability to decrease Tred from 1500 °C to 1000 °C, while simultaneously maintaining a substantial CO yield of 550 μmol/g. Moreover, the efficiency analysis demonstrates that TSEC achieves a superior solar-to-fuel energy efficiency of 20.4 %, outperforming 4.1 % of conventional TSTC. In sum, this study demonstrates a novel approach to solar fuel production, enabling high and stable CO2-to-CO conversion at moderate temperatures while maintaining high energy efficiency.

Suggested Citation

  • Pan, Heng & Zhao, Yuhao & He, Feiyu & Zhu, Liya & Wang, Zhaolu & Li, Yihang & Lu, Youjun, 2025. "Two-step electro-thermochemical cycle for CO2 splitting in a solid oxide electrochemical cell," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 380(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:380:y:2025:i:c:s0306261924023821
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.124998
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    References listed on IDEAS

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